Soldering- quick question

[greco]

Many forum bros have indicated that they use extra flux/resin when soldering.

Do you usually buy the flux pens or the bottled flux?

Once applied, does the flux evaporate quickly? By this I mean can you apply it to several terminals and/or tinned wire ends and let it sit while you proceed to solder the joints during the next 10 -15 minutes or so.

Thanks

Dave

 

[LJ King]

Re: Soldering- quick question

Many forum bros have indicated that they use extra flux/resin when soldering.

Do you usually buy the flux pens or the bottled flux?

Once applied, does the flux evaporate quickly? By this I mean can you apply it to several terminals and/or tinned wire ends and let it sit while you proceed to solder the joints during the next 10 -15 minutes or so.

Thanks

Dave

I've never had to use extra flux. The rosin flux in the solder has always been enough.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Soldering- quick question

I, personally, don't like using flux.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Soldering- quick question

I use the bottled stuff.

If you're soldering stuff that's close together, it's always a good idea to put some flux on the surrounding joints. It'll keep them from becoming brittle when they're reheated.

 

[greco]

Re: Soldering- quick question

I use the bottled stuff.

If you're soldering stuff that's close together, it's always a good idea to put some flux on the surrounding joints. It'll keep them from becoming brittle when they're reheated.

Thanks for the comments.

I'm still wondering how long the flux remains "active" if you don't solder immediately.

Dave

 

[tinneric]

Re: Soldering- quick question

Paste rosin flux works great

 

[Sludgenutz]

Re: Soldering- quick question

I like the bottled flux, with the brush-on nail polish stlye applicator. The flux pens are nice, but are geared more for flat pc boards. Paste flux ok, but I tend to think this is better for large applications, like sweating terminals on car battery cables. Any of them will do in a pinch.

I kinds like the method I stumbled onto...which is pouring the thinner flux pen contents, into a brush-on bottle.

As far as waiting 10-15 minutes, I don't there would be any serious probs, but the final results are what really matters. Inspect your work with a magnifying glass (my older eyes need to, on pc boards).

 

[greco]

Re: Soldering- quick question

Thanks again.

The bottled flux is certainly much more inexpensive.

Dave

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Soldering- quick question

and don't forget to clean your connections afterward. Use the highest percentage isopropyl alcohol you can find, with a shot of canned air to dry it off.